Local creepy clowns just clowning around; No charges filed yet

PAULINA - One of two people who spooked shoppers at a supermarket in St. James Parish earlier this week by wearing creepy clown costumes has been identified, the sheriff's office said.

Monday evening the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office posted a picture of the two clowns. Deputies wrote the people wore masks, dark clothing - one appeared dressed in a refinery jumpsuit, and bright gloves. The masked renegades walked through the Matherne's Supermarket until a manager asked them to leave.

The incident came in the midst of other reported spooky clown sightings in other parts of the country, so the sheriff's office opened an investigation.

Thursday, the department said deputies spoke to one of the guys in the outfit. The sheriff's office said the man told investigators it was an attempt at a practical joke. Since he is cooperating, the agency did not release the man's name.

Charges may be forthcoming, the sheriff's office said.

"We would like to assure the public that there is no threat to public safety regarding this incident," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook. *******************Follow the publisher of this post on Twitter: @treyschmaltz